1. First Due to the “Big One”: Initial Decisions at Atypical Events
Randall W. Hanifen, Ph.D.

2. Response to the “Big One”: First Due Decisions at Atypical Events
Presented by Randall W. Hanifen, Ph.D.
Shift Captain-West Chester Fire-Rescue
Associate Professor-American Public University
Adjunct Professor, University of Cincinnati
Vice-Chair, IAFC Company Officer Section
Professional Development Chair, Institute of Fire Engineers

3. Learning Objectives
Through case study of atypical calls, the first due company officer will make decisions based on:
Call information
Resources available and assigned
Safety of crew and the public
The company officer will provide follow-up information related to:
Assigning secondary companies
Requesting proper resources
The company officer will develop documentation for the event to include:
ICS 214
ICS 207

4. Disclaimer
The presenter does not advocate responding with less than ideal alarm assignments. The presenter recommends following 1710 and 1720, as well as NFPA 1500 to ensure safety and proper resources to accomplish the needed critical tasks at an incident
The participant’s organization should conduct a critical task analysis based on their community risk profile to ensure the proper resources are available to respond to incidents within their jurisdiction

5. -John Centers, Fire Chief Monroe Fire
There is a fine line between passing out commendations and passing out flags
-John Centers, Fire Chief Monroe Fire

6. Nursing Home Fire
Courtesy of Monroe Fire Department

7. Picture of Building Prior to Fire

8. Picture

9. Picture

10. Alarm Assignment E61 (3)-First Due T-61 (2)-Second Due
E-62 (4)-7 Minutes
C60 (1)-10 Minutes

11. Situation Upon Arrival
Heavy Smoke and some flames from Roof
Fully occupied Assisted Living Facility
Smoke visible on the 3rd floor
Occupants calling dispatch to report they are trapped in their rooms and see visible smoke
Most occupants not able to traverse stairs on their own

12. First Due Size Up and Initial Actions
Provide a Size up for your group
Provide initial actions taken by your crew
Provide reasoning

13. Strategic Considerations
What will be your strategic priorities?
Why
What influences your strategic priorities?
What is the first assignment you will make to the next due company
Why?
What will you assign to the subsequent company

14. Information Relayed
What information will you relay to the incoming chief?
If permitted by policy, what additional resources will you order?
If not permitted, what resources will you ask for from the incoming chief?
What information will you relay to incoming fire units?
Why is the information important?

15. Safety Considerations
What safety considerations not already mentioned would you consider?
Why?
How does the motto “Risk a lot to save a lot, risk nothing to save nothing” fit into your scenario and decision-making?
At what point do you change to a defense strategy, if not already chosen?

16. Man in a container
Silo Incident

17. Pictures of Event

18. Picture of Event

19. Alarm Assignment E81 (3)-First Due M82 (2)-Second Due
M83 (2)-7 Minutes
B80 (1)-10 Minutes

20. Situation Upon Arrival
Man in Silo
In silo for extended time while friends attempted to free him
Think he is up to chin
Product is Fly Ash

21. First Due Size Up and Initial Actions
Provide a Size up for your group
Provide initial actions taken by your crew
Provide reasoning

22. Strategic Considerations
What will be your strategic priorities?
Why?
What influences your strategic priorities?
What is the first assignment you will make to the next due company?
What will you assign to the subsequent company?

23. Information Relayed
What information will you relay to the incoming chief?
If permitted by policy, what additional resources will you order?
If not permitted, what resources will you ask for from the incoming chief?
What information will you relay to incoming fire units?
Why is the information important?

24. Safety Considerations
What safety considerations not already mentioned would you consider?
Why
How does the motto “Risk a lot to save a lot, risk nothing to save nothing” fit into your scenario and decision-making?
At what point do you change to a defense strategy, if not already chosen?

25. Tornado Aftermath

26. Overview of Area

27. Sample of Damage

28. Alarm Assignment E1 (3)-First Due E-3 (2)-Second Due E-2 (4)-7 Minutes
C1 (1)-10 Minutes

29. Situation Upon Arrival
Significant devastation throughout the town
Numerous calls for possible trapped occupants
Numerous calls for damage to property
Most streets blocked

30. First Due Size Up and Initial Actions
Provide a Size up for your group
Provide initial actions taken by your crew
Provide reasoning

31. Strategic Considerations
What will be your strategic priorities?
Why?
What influences your strategic priorities?
What is the first assignment you will make to the next due company?
What will you assign to the subsequent company?

32. Information Relayed
What information will you relay to the incoming chief?
If permitted by policy, what additional resources will you order?
If not permitted, what resources will you ask for from the incoming chief?
What information will you relay to incoming fire units?
Why is the information important?

33. Safety Considerations
What safety considerations not already mentioned would you consider?
Why?
How does the motto “Risk a lot to save a lot, risk nothing to save nothing” fit into your scenario and decision-making?

34. What Did We Learn Today What did we learn from a technical standpoint?
What did we learn about teamwork?
How stressful was it to make life decisions on limited information and how will you gain the information in your jurisdictions?

35. Conclusion
Randall W. Hanifen, Ph.D.